Siddhartha

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Siddhartha

• Describe a situation in which you have questioned
  your beliefs or the beliefs of your culture. What
  did you do to resolve your questions?

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Intro to Siddharthaby Herman Hesse
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Intro to Siddhartha

• The story of Siddhartha
• Sidd is a young Brahmin, a priestly class, the
  highest in Hindu society. He is handsome and
  educated, with the potential to be a prince.
• Setting
• The novel is set six centuries before the birth
  of Christ in ancient India at the time of Gotama
  the Buddha.

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Intro to Siddhartha

• Buddhism
• A religion followed by about 300 million around
  the world. It comes from budhi, to awaken. Its
  origins started when the Buddha himself was
  awakened or enlightened at age of 35. (2500 years
  ago)
• Tolerant of other religions and provides a
  purpose to lives with a code of practice to lead
  to happiness.
• Middle Path is a balance between being good
  hearted and attainment of knowledge through
  emotion.

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Intro to Siddhartha

• Four Noble Truths
• 1st truth is that life is suffering. This is
  realistic, not pessimistic. Buddhism explains how
  suffering can be avoided.
• 2nd truth is that suffering is caused by craving
  and aversion. Rather than struggling to get what
  you want, try to modify wanting.

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Intro to Siddhartha

• Four Noble Truths
• 3rd truth is that suffering can be overcome and
  happiness attained.
• 4th truth is that the Novel 8-fold Path is the
  path which leads to the end of suffering.

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Intro to Siddhartha

• Eightfold Path
• Being moral through what we say, do, and our
  livelihood, focusing on being fully aware of
  thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom and
  compassion for others.
• Nirvana
• When we are happy and free and have more time and
  energy to help others.
• Karma every law has an effect. All individuals
  must be responsible for their past and present.

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Intro to Siddhartha

• One of the teachings of Buddhism is that wealth
  does not guarantee happiness.
• Agree or Disagree with this statement and explain
  why or why not.

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Intro to Siddhartha

• How does Buddhism compare/contrast to other lit
  this year and their religious beliefs?
• Think of what was valued in previous cultures to
  help you respond to this question.

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Siddhartha, Chap 1

• Why does Siddhartha seem so unhappy? How is he
  like a waiting vessel?
• His Brahmin teachers of Hinduism dont question
  anything and havent achieved enlightenment. He
  is a waiting vessel because hes looking to be
  filled with knowledge of how to achieve
  enlightenment.

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Siddhartha, Chap 1

• Why is Govinda willing to follow him?
• He is Sidds best friend and sees Sidd taking his
  first step into the world and wants to follow
  him.

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Siddhartha, Chap 1

• How are the Samanas described?
• They are half-naked, begging for food, and living
  without the comforts of life. They believe
  enlightenment can only be reached through
  asceticism- a rejection of body and physical
  desires.

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Siddhartha, Chap 1

• How does Siddhartha convince his father? Why
  didnt he just go?
• Sidd stands in the dark all night with his arms
  crossed. As a dutiful son, he needs his fathers
  blessing. His dad asks Sidd to return to tell him
  the secret of enlightenment if he finds it.

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Siddhartha, Chap 2

• 1. How does he act when he is with the Samanas?
• Sidd dresses in rags and only takes the barest
  sustenance in order to survive.

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Siddhartha, Chap 2

• 2. What is his goal? What happens when he reaches
  that goal?
• Sidds goal is to reach enlightenment, which only
  is achieved when the self is completely
  destroyed. Sidd thinks when he is empty of
  everything his innermost will be awakened.

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Siddhartha, Chap 2

• 3. How does Siddhartha meditate?
• He meditates on the syllable Om which represents
  perfection and unity while sitting up straight.
  He sits quietly and lessens his heartbeat and
  breathing.

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Siddhartha, Chap 2

• 4. What frustrates Siddhartha?
• The eldest Samana is 60 and has not reached
  enlightenment.

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Siddhartha, Chap 2

• 5. Who is Gotama?
• Gotama is the enlightened one, The Buddha, who
  has overcome the suffering of the world.

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Siddhartha, Chap 2

• 6. What does Siddhartha do with the oldest
  Samana? What does that feat show?
• Sidd hypnotizes him which shows he has learned
  all he can from him. He learns that the path to
  achieve enlightenment can only come when the
  approach used takes into account the world as
  well. It shows he has learned all he can from
  them.

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Siddhartha, Chap 3

• 1. How is Gotama different from the Samanas?
• Gotama teaches Buddhisms eightfold Path, the
  Fourfold Way, and to embrace the unity of all
  things in order to achieve freedom from
  suffering.
• 2. How do they recognize him?
• Gotama radiates pure enlightenment and wears a
  gold robe.

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Siddhartha, Chap 3

• 3. Why does Govinda choose to join him? Why wont
  Siddhartha join him?
• Govinda agrees with Gotamas teachings, so he
  stays. Sidd does not agree with the teachings and
  thinks Govinda is a distraction to him, so he
  leaves.

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Siddhartha, Chap 3

• 4. According to Siddhartha, how will he find
  enlightenment?
• Sidd decides he must find enlightenment on his
  own, and he cannot rely on an individual religion
  or teacher in his search.

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Siddhartha, Chap 3

• 5. What has the Buddha robbed from him? What has
  he given him?
• The Buddha robbed Govinda from him. The Buddha
  has given Sidd the knowledge that enlightenment
  is achieved from within.

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Siddhartha, Chap 4

• 1. What does Siddhartha decide to study? How is
  that the one field he has been ignorant in?
• Sidd decides to study himself and learn from
  himself, so he can understand himself. He thinks
  this is the one area he doesnt know.

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Siddhartha, Chap 4

• 2. Why does he feel an icy chill? He compares
  himself to a star. How is that so?
• He realizes he is all alone like a star.
• 3. How is he different now?
• Sidd is on a new path by himself.

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End of part 1 Summary

• Siddharthas life parallels the historical
  Buddhas history as his life was formed around
  three events the departure from his fathers
  house, the wasted and frustrating years between
  pursuit of worldly possessions and extreme
  asceticism, and finally, the determination of the
  Middle path as the only road to enlightenment.
  The middle path is experiencing and understanding
  Truth and Reality which requires courage,
  patience, flexibility, and intelligence.

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Siddhartha, Chap 5

• 1. How has his point of view changed?
• Sidd now seeks meaning in the world through the
  senses. He is allowing the world to influence
  him, which he hasnt done before.
• 2. Complete the quote To obey no other eternal
  command __. Nothing else was necessary. What
  does this quote mean?
• only the voice, to be prepared that was good,
  that was necessary. This means to listen to ones
  voice and Sidd will now rely in himself. Sidd has
  learned that the knowledge he is seeking comes
  from within.

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Siddhartha, Chap 5

• 3. What dream does Siddhartha see? Will this
  woman lead him to enlightenment?
• Sidd sees Govinda turning into a woman which
  shows he is moving from his previous aesthetic
  life to a new life of desire. He learns to
  differentiate between listening to ones inner
  voice and giving in to impulse. The woman will
  help lead him to enlightenment as he is listening
  within to his own desires.
• 4. What does Siddhartha think of the Ferryman and
  of the river?
• Sidd finds comfort in the Ferrymans words and
  thinks of the river as a transition to a new
  world. They are kind and beautiful.

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Siddhartha, Chap 5

• 5. Why doesnt Siddhartha ascend the tree with
  the woman?
• Sidds inner voice tells him to resist the
  temptation.
• 6. Hesse uses a simile to describe the womans
  (Kamalas) mouth. What is it? What does that say
  about the woman?
• He compares her mouth to a fresh, cut fig which
  implies how tempting and inviting she is. She is
  beautiful and exudes sexuality.

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Siddhartha, Chap 5

• 7. How does Siddhartha prepare for Kamala? What
  does he want from her?
• Sidd prepares by bathing, shaving, and getting a
  haircut. He wants Kamala to teach him the art of
  love.
• 8. Why might the portrayal of Kamala be
  politically incorrect?
• She represents women as purely sexual and a
  symbol of desire. A woman represented by
  sexuality would be politically incorrect.

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Siddhartha, Chap 5

• 9. Who is Kamaswami?
• He is a wealthy businessman who will teach Sidd
  the business world.
• 10. Siddhartha compares himself to a stone. How
  is this so?
• Like a stone falling to the bottom of water, Sidd
  is drawn toward his goal and cannot be distracted
  or swayed from his path. It is the same as the
  way a stone falls directly to the bottom of water
  and doesnt deviate in its path.

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Siddhartha, Chap 6

• 1. How does Siddhartha take control of the
  interview?
• Sidd proves he has valuable skills to offer
  Kamaswami, such as intelligence, patience, and
  the ability to fast.
• 2. For all of his holy skills, in the end, why
  does Kamaswami hire him?
• Sidd is hired because he can read and write.

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Siddhartha, Chap 6

• 3. In your own words and thoughtfully, what did
  Kamala teach him?
• Kamala taught Sidd to act in a manner that
  required Kamaswami to respect him. He learns
  about the physical act of love, but more
  importantly, he learns patience and self-respect.
• 4. What makes Siddhartha good at business? Why
  might he be an excellent partner for Kamaswami?
• He can act aggressively in business because he
  does not fear success or failure which balances
  Kamaswamis desire for profit.

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Siddhartha, Chap 6

• 5. What does his four day trip to the village
  show about Siddhartha? How could that be good
  business?
• Sidd accepts all differences in people and keeps
  an even temper when dealing with them.
• 6. What does Siddharthas inner voice say? How is
  life flowing past him?
• Inner voice says life is like living a game. He
  is not active in what is going on around him. All
  activities surround him but he is not actively
  engaged in them.

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Siddhartha, Chap 6

• 7. How are Siddhartha and Kamala similar?
• They both have a stillness and sanctuary about
  them, and they can retreat and be themselves.
  They are very independent.

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Siddhartha, Chap 7

• 1. What had Siddhartha learned amongst the
  people?
• Sidd has learned to enjoy possessions and live
  like a wealthy person.
• 2. What happened when the property finally became
  a chain and a burden?
• Sidd leaves the city in despair when property no
  longer brings him pleasure.

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Siddhartha, Chap 7

• 3. How does his dice playing echo his real life?
• He played dice and gambled in a way that showed
  how much he hated the wealth and possessions he
  had acquired. He felt empty when he gambled in
  the same way he felt his life was empty and
  devoid of meaning.
• 4. What was his Kamala dream about?
• Sidd dreams Kamala asks about Gotama and he
  dissuades her from seeking him out.

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Siddhartha, Chap 7

• 5. What was the Bird dream about? What does it
  mean?
• The rare songbird dies which signifies what will
  happen to Sidd if he continues on his current
  path, so he leaves the city.
• 6. Why does he feel dead?
• Sidd can no longer hear his spiritual voice.

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Siddhartha, Chap 7

• 7. Why is it important that Kamala is pregnant?
  Why out of that last trip?
• Kamala decides to take no more lovers and
  experiences her own awakening. Her pregnancy
  parallels the change Sidd will undergo next.

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Siddhartha, Chap 8

• 1. Why does Siddhartha wish to kill himself?
• Sidd feels that neither abstinence from desires
  nor indulgence in desires has brought him closer
  to enlightenment.

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Siddhartha, Chap 8

• 2. How is he different when he wakes up? Who is
  sitting with him?
• When Sidd wakes up, Govinda is next to him. Sidd
  is now at peace and realizes that over thinking
  has stopped him from achieving enlightenment. He
  decides not to leave the river and take the path
  that comes naturally.

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Siddhartha, Chap 8

• 3. What does Siddhartha start lecturing his
  friend about?
• Sidd says he is still a spiritual pilgrim even
  though he is well fed and looks wealthy. Sidd
  tries to tell Govinda that none of the
  traditional paths will lead to enlightenment

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Siddhartha, Chap 9

• 1. What does Siddhartha learn from the Ferryman?
• Sidd learns how to reach detached enlightenment
  and to listen to the rivers secrets and legends,
  such as time does not exist and only the present
  matters.
• 2. How are the skills he is learning now
  important to him for life?
• He is learning to exist in the moment.

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Siddhartha, Chap 9

• 3. What do people say about Siddhartha and the
  Ferryman?
• They exist in harmony with one another.
• 4. How are they becoming alike? Is this a good
  thing?
• They are both reaching enlightenment which is a
  good thing.

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Siddhartha, Chap 9

• 5. Describe the events surrounding Kamalas
  meeting Siddhartha again.
• Kamala and her son are traveling to see the dying
  Buddha. A poisonous snake bites Kamala. Vasudeva
  hears the sons cries and finds Kamala who he
  carries to their hut. Vasudeva sees the sons
  resemblance to Sidd.
• 6. How has Siddhartha changed since their last
  meeting? How has Kamala changed?
• Kamala says Sidd looks like an enlightened one.
  Kamala has also reached enlightenment.

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Siddhartha, Chap 9

• 7. What happens to Kamala? How does this effect
  Siddhartha?
• She dies, and Sidd is affected because the son
  lives with the two ferrymen.

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Siddhartha, Chap 11

• 1. What wound does Siddhartha have? What is the
  different light that he sees people in?
• The wound Sidd has is from the loss of his son.
  He can see the serenity of knowledge in people.
• 2. What has been his biggest change since
  becoming a ferryman? As a result, how does the
  tone of the book change?
• He has realized his place in the world and
  similarity with others who suffer to reach inner
  peace.

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Siddhartha, Chap 11

• 3. What does the river do when Siddhartha goes to
  see his son? Whose reflection does he see?
• The river laughs and Sidd sees the reflection of
  his father, who he now resembles, in his own
  face.
• 4. Siddhartha and Vasudeva listen very, very
  closely to the river. What do they hear? Why is
  everything interconnected?
• The rivers voice was sorrowful. All of the
  yearning and goals of everyone in the world was
  united.
• 5. Where does Vasudeva go? (Hint not just the
  woods)
• Vasudeva goes to die.

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Siddhartha, Chap 12

• 1. Why is there still restlessness in Govindas
  heart?
• Govinda feels that he has not achieved the kind
  of enlightenment that Sidd radiates.
• 2. What is wrong with seeking, according to
  Siddhartha?
• You cant seek Nirvana from an outside source.
  You must find it within.

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Siddhartha, Chap 12

• 3. Why doesnt Siddhartha have a doctrine? How
  can wisdom not be communicable? Can you
  communicate knowledge?
• Sidd feels he cant teach enlightenment but
  seekers can be guided. He also thinks you cant
  divide people into good and bad. Seekers have to
  be guided to knowledge.
• 4. What is the symbolism of the stone?
• The stone symbolizes the potential in everything
  so all things are sacred.

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Siddhartha, Chap 12

• 5. How can Nirvana and Samsara be the same?
• For every truth there is an opposite truth, so
  you cannot divide the world into things that are
  Samsara and things that are Nirvana. No one and
  nothing is every truly and fully saintly or
  sinful.

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Siddhartha, Chap 12

• 6. What does Govinda see Siddhartha do? What does
  this show about Siddharthas final change?
• He saw Sidds face reflect all the forms and
  faces he experienced. Sidds smile was the smile
  of unity, like Gotama, so Sidd had become just
  like the Illustrious one.